FUNAAB to Commence M.Sc. Agroecology Programme Following NUC Approval

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the commencement of a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Agroecology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), marking another milestone in the University’s pursuit of sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

The newly approved programme is a major component of the European Union-funded ERASMUS+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project, titled AGRECOFARM (Agricultural Ecological Farming), which aims to revolutionise agroecological education and research across Africa and Europe.

Launched in December 2023 in Matera, Italy, the AGRECOFARM Project is a consortium comprising four European institutions—University of Basilicata (Italy), Danube University Krems (Austria), ISARA (France), and DMTR Consulting (Italy)—as well as six African universities, including FUNAAB, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo (Nigeria), University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana), Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (Ghana), Njala University, and Central University of Modern Technology (Sierra Leone).

The M.Sc. Agroecology programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical competencies in sustainable food production systems, combining rigorous academic instruction with applied research and field-based training. The curriculum focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, natural resource management, agribusiness innovation, and mechanised systems that promote ecological balance and productivity.

Hosted by the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), the two-year programme offers four specialisations:

• Crop and Mechanisation
• Livestock Systems Agroecology
• Agribusiness and Sustainable Food Systems
• Natural Resources and Environment

FUNAAB’s M.Sc. Agroecology Programme aims to train a new generation of agroecologists, researchers, and innovators who will drive Africa’s transition towards sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Union Green Deal, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, reaffirming FUNAAB’s leadership in global academic collaboration and local impact.

Prospective candidates with backgrounds in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply and join this pioneering programme shaping the future of sustainable food systems in Africa.